[Aztlan] Mummified dogs found in Peru

[michael ruggeri]

Mummified dogs uncovered in Peru
By Dan Collyns
BBC News, Lima



Archaeologists in Peru have uncovered the mummified remains of more  
than 40 dogs buried with blankets and food alongside their human  
masters.
The discovery was made during the excavation of two of the ancient  
Chiribaya people who lived in southern Peru between 900 and 1350 AD.
Experts say the dogs' treatment in death indicated the belief that  
the animals had an afterlife.
Such a status for pets has only previously been seen in ancient Egypt.
Hundreds of years before the European conquest of South America, the  
Chiribaya civilisation valued its dogs so highly that when one died,  
it was buried alongside family members.
'Distinct breed'

The dogs, which have been called Chiribaya shepherds for their llama- 
herding abilities, were not sacrificed as in other ancient cultures,  
but buried with blankets and food in human cemeteries.

Biological archaeologists have unearthed the remains of more than 40  
dogs which were naturally mummified in the desert sand of Peru's  
southern Ilo Valley.

Now they have teamed up with Peru's Kennel Club to try to establish  
if the dogs represent a new distinct breed indigenous to South America.

The country is full of breeds which arrived in the last few  
centuries, but they believe some dogs living today in southern Peru  
share the characteristics of their ancestors.

The Chiribaya dog looked rather like a small Golden Retriever with a  
medium-sized snout, beige colouring, and long hair.

The only other indigenous Peruvian canine is the hairless dog, which  
evolved over more than 2,000 years from Asian ancestors brought  
across the Bering Straits.

It was recognised as a distinct breed just 20 years ago.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/world/americas/5374748.stm

Published: 2006/09/23 19:25:16 GMT

© BBC MMVI


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